Radio Sport National News

McEvoy's Man Back In Action

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:22:54 +1100

South Australian trainer Tony McEvoy is excited about the return of stable star Jimando in tomorrow's Emirates Airlines Stakes (1100m) and hopes the son of Commands can further enhance his prospects for the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) later this month. Speaking to Shane Anderson on Racing Ahead this morning, McEvoy who recently spent time in New Zealand at the yearling sales, said Jimando was spot on for his return. "I'm very happy with his condition going in and his definitely gone the right way since the spring," McEvoy said. "I strongly considered running him in the Blue Diamond first up, that's how much i think of his capacity to handle work and his ability to run a trip, but because he's done so well and he's a big lump of a thing we decided to give him a hit-out beforehand." Jimando burst onto the scene with a resounding win in the Debutants Stakes at Caulfield back in October, and McEvoy's confidence has been buoyed even further with the impeccable formlines from the race. "The form around his first win has been very complimentary and i have thoroughly enjoyed it," McEvoy said. "Two-year olds normally make mistakes and don't quite take what they do at home to the race track, but this bloke actually went to another level and his win was the best i'd ever seen him go." Jimando will be ridden for the first time by Blake Shinn tomorrow and is currently the $2.30 favourite for the $100,000 Caulfield feature.

Aeronautical To Enhance Guineas Claims

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:17:13 +1100

A Randwick Guineas campaign is at the forefront of autumn plans for Aeronautical,according to his trainer Lionel Cohen. Speaking with Shane Anderson on Racing Ahead this morning, Cohen was apprehensive about running Aeronautical on a probable heavy track at Warwick Farm this Saturday, but admitted the race did fit in with the three-year old's campaign. "If he didn't run on Saturday, he'd have to run the following week against the older horses and that's probably not ideal at this stage of his prep," Cohen said. Cohen added that Aeronautical's first up run at Rosehill back on January 21 was better than it looked on paper. "He didn't have a lot of luck and suffered a few checks in transit, but I'm happy with the way he hit the line and he has improved since the run," Cohen said. "His work this week has been great and I'm expecting a big run from him next time out." Aeronautical is among first nominations for the Doncaster Mile and Randwick Guineas (1600m), and and Cohen admits the son of Encosta De Lago needs to rise to a new level this time in. "I have a very good opinion of this horse and have had for a long time, but it is time for him to stand up and deliver," Cohen said. "His main aim this time around will be the Randwick Guineas. I think he can run a strong mile."

Bel Ready To Ring

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:45:23 +1100

In form hoop Ben Melham is excited about Bel Sprinter's return to racing in the United Arab Emirates Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday, but warns the promising four-year old may not be fully wound up. "Whatever he does Saturday he's sure to improve on, but it does look a nice race to kick him off in," Melham told Shane Anderson on Racing Ahead this morning. Melham, who has piloted Bel Sprinter in all five career starts, admitted the Bel Esprit gelding had improved in his time away from the track. "He's come back from a spell in good order and I've done a fair bit of work on him this time around," Melham enthused. "He's defiantly improved his manners, but can still race a little fierce." Trainer Jason Warren has mapped out a lucrative campaign for Bel Sprinter this time around with the G1 Oakleigh Plate, Lightning Stakes and Newmarket Handicap all on the radar.

Sixty Four Left For Juvenile Riches

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:48:21 +1100

Sixty-Four two year-olds remain in contention for The G1 Blue Diamond Stakes on February 25 after today’s deadline for third declarations. That number represents the strongest collection of third declarations taken by the Melbourne Racing Club for Victoria's Premier juvenile feature in five years. The most prominent nominator is race sponsor Patinack Farm, which retained nine in the hunt for the million-dollar bounty having originally entered 178 two year-olds in July last year. Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes and global giant Darley are the next best-represented, with eight and six third declarations respectively. While the Mick Price-trained Malasun, impressive winner of the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Preview on Australia Day headlines the fillies, and is the only juvenile still qualified to take out the $1m bonus attached to the Blue Diamond Series. In order to remain in contention for the bonus, the daughter of Red Ransom must next win the Patinack Farm Blue Diamond Prelude on February 11.

Name Change For Famous Sprint

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:05:52 +1100

Royal Ascot has announced the Golden Jubilee Stakes will be renamed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes to mark the milestone of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The G1 feature, which has been a happy hunting ground for Australian gallopers with Choisir winning it in 2003 before Starspangledbanner emulated his sire in 2010, will be run for the first time under it's new name on June 23 this year. Australian Interest in this year's renewal will be at an all time high with the world's best sprinter Black Caviar, champion two and three-year-old Sepoy, Hay List and Foxwedge all in contention for a start. “All being well, we will be running the race with the world’s top rated sprinter, Black Caviar, representing Australia in what is historically Europe’s most international race, which would be a wonderful way to begin a new era for The Diamond Jubilee Stakes," Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot said.

Boost For Picnic Racing

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:51:26 +1100

Victoria’s picnic racing clubs are the big winners following a $50,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant to improve racetracks and public facilities across 10 picnic racecourses. Minister for Racing Dr Denis Napthine travelled to Balnarring Picnic Racing Club yesterday, one of the major funding recipients, to announce the first round of grants for Victoria’s picnic clubs. Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government strongly supported picnic racing as a terrific community event, which also contributed significantly to the local economy. “Through the Coalition Government’s new Victorian Racing Industry Fund we have established a program specifically designed to support picnic racing clubs,” Dr Napthine said. “Picnic racing clubs rely heavily on the dedication and hard work of volunteers so this fund will be a welcome boost to help upgrade infrastructure and patron facilities. “In many cases, providing improved infrastructure at picnic racecourses has the additional benefit of assisting other community organisations who also utilise the track facilities. “The picnic racing clubs to benefit from this announcement include Alexandra, Balnarring, Buchan & Gelantipy, Dederang, Mansfield, Merton, Omeo, Tambo Valley, Woolomai and Yea.”

See The Champ For Free

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:21:47 +1100

In a goodwill gesture the Melbourne Racing Club will throw open the gates on February 11 allowing Black Caviar's legion of fans to witness the glamour mare's attempt at a first Group 1 victory on home soil. The meeting, which heralds the start of the 2012 Melbourne Festival of Racing, will see Black Caviar step up to 1400 metres for the first time in the Sportingbet CF Orr Stakes as she chases her 18th victory from as many appearances. Speaking with Shane Anderson on Racing Ahead this morning, MRC Media Manager Jake Norton said the decision had been in the pipeline. "It's been a discussion around the club for sometime," Norton said. "It is also something we are looking at considering as her campaign rolls on through the autumn." Norton added that Black Caviar's profile had made the decision an easy one for the club. "it's all about throwing the gates open for the punter to allow them to come and see the world's best in the flesh," Norton said. "She really is putting racing back on the map from a spectator sport perspective and we wanted to capitalise on that. "Pending the success of the meeting, offering free entry to a number of our race days across all three tracks could become an ongoing trend." Norton added.

Benalla Sanctioned

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:57:52 +1100

Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) has announced it will transfer next week's meeting from Benalla as a sanction for the abandonment of Sunday's race meeting. The meeting scheduled for Monday, 6 February has been moved to Wodonga with Prize money and distances to remain unchanged and nominations close at noon today. Speaking with Shane Anderson on Racing Ahead this morning, RVL's Chief Operating Officer Beranrd Saundry expressed his concern. "The circumstances that led to the abandonment of Sunday's Benalla meeting were unacceptable and the Club has been sanctioned accordingly with their next meeting being transferred to Wodonga,"Saundry said. "There is a significant impact financially on the industry with meetings being called off and it doesn't allow punters to engage in wagering. "Abandoned meetings also impact on our market share and from an RVL standpoint and that's not ideal." Saundry explained that trainers and jockey's would be compensated as a result of Sunday's debacle. "We are currently in the process of organising a compensation package for both trainers and jockeys who were affected with the abandonment of Benalla." Saundry added. However, Saundry was quick to explain that yesterday's meeting at Kilmore, that was also called off after just four races, had nothing to do with the new drainage system that the club had recently installed. "Kilmore received 8-9ml of rain very quickly yesterday between races four and five and as a result of that there was alot of excess surface water lying on the track which the jockeys and stewards deemed unsafe for racing." Saundry said.

Bourne targets valley return for Zamorar

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:41 +1100

Seymour based trainer David Bourne has earmarked a return for promising three year old Zamorar over 1000 metres next Friday night at Moonee Valley. While the lightly raced son of Scandal Keeper has only had the four career starts to date, he has shown enormous potential and finished his first preparation with an impressive fourth place beaten under two lengths behind Sepoy in the G1 Coolmore Stakes on Derby Day. "He did rise quickly and that put a fair bit of pressure on me to keep stepping him up last preparation" Bourne said. "That said, he did run very well in that race (the Coolmore) so I guess he's proved he can measure up at the top level". "Friday week will be his start point and we'll just decide after that where we head with him". Though Bourne has put in a nomination for March's $1M Newmarket Handicap, he stressed the point that no race outside of Zamorar's first up run has been locked in. "He had a nice month off following his run in the Coolmore".
"He had a jump out last week, he's right to go but we'll just head to the Valley next week and take it from there. Nothing has been locked in".

Ockham's too sharp in NZ

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:58:22 +1100

The Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor has proven too good for the local two year olds in taking out New Zealand's richest race the $1M NZ (A $780K) Karaka Million at Ellerslie. After settling well off the speed for jockey Craig Williams, the son of Any Suggestion was too strong at the finish defeating local hopes Silk Pins and Warhorse with Australia's other chance Sell in May back in eighth. The win marked the latest big race success for Williams who is without doubt Australia's leading rider and arguably the most inform jockey on the planet. Anthony Freedman later admitted he went into yesterday's race a little wary of his chances after Sweet Little Lies, a horse who defeated Ockham's Razor by four lengths at Caulfield, failed in last week's Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield.

Bensley's Racing News

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:17:37 +1100

Sky Racing and Radio Sport National's Andrew Bensley is the best in the business when it comes to breaking the news and we have his latest. In harness racing news, Lance Justice says Smoken Up won't run again until the Inter Dominian series in Perth and will not start in Saturday's Hunter Cup. Continuing the harness theme Andrew reports that Sushi Sushi also won't run in the Hunter Cup with the horse to be freshened ahead of a potential preparation aimed at the Chariots of Fire at Menangle. Kiwi harness trainer Mark Purdon believes Auckland Reactor will get a handicap in this weekend's Hunter Cup. Purdon also confirmed he will partner Auckland Reactor in the race with Blair Orange staying in New Zealand. Natalie Rasmussen will drive Highview Tommy. Finally jockey Stephen Baster has continued his impressive recent form by landing a double last night in Singapore.

Eden targets Caulfield with Flyingconi

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:01:30 +1100

Highly promising galloper Flyingconi will be out to take his next step at Caulfield this Saturday when the lightly raced son of Bianconi tackles open class for the first time. Speaking with Nadia Horne on Winners, Flyingconi's trainer Shea Eden said the horse has pulled up perfectly from his latest run at Flemington and was primed to run well again over 1400 metres at Caulfield on Saturday. "He's a fresh sort of horse and after each of his runs he spends a couple of quiet days down at the beach which seems to get him back up and about for his next run". "The most pleasing thing for me about this horse is he just keeps stepping up every time we raise the bar" Eden said. With only fifteen of his own horses on the books (Eden also runs a pre-training business) Eden touched on the importance of having a horse like Flyingconi in the stable. "He's been really important to me. One of the hardest things is being a young trainer trying to make it in this game and I've received a lot of positive feedback following his wins". A winner at three of his last four starts, including a back to back Flemington wins at his last two, Flyinconi has shown remarkable versatility in his races and looks a potential stakes class galloper in the making.

Bensley's News

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:51:57 +1100

Some of the breaking news this Sunday thanks to Sky Racing and Radio Sport National's Andrew Bensley. Gai Waterhouse is leaning towards running impressive two-year-old Raceway in the Canonbury Stakes at Warwick Farm over the Blue Diamond, no decision has been officially made as yet. Gai is also looking at running two-year-old No Looking Back in the Blue Diamond with no decision on whether they'll push on to the Sires. The Mick Price trained Coolmore Classic winner Aloha has been retired by her owner Gerry Harvey after reportedly not enjoying her latest preparation. She will start her new career as a broodmare. Trainer John Thompson has reported his smart two-year-old Real Stolle had a successful jump out last Friday and will now go to the Blue Diamond Prelude hopefully en-route to the final. Glyn Schofield will ride Manawanui and Hay List on Tuesday and Wednesday this week before making the agonising decision on whether to ride in Melbourne (Hay List - Lightning Stakes) or Sydney (Manawanui) on February 18th. Jason Warren says that his exciting sprinter Bel Sprinter really enjoyed his strong gallop at Sandown on Friday and will resume this Saturday in the W.J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Colin and Cindy Alderson will nominate their promising galloper That's the One for Saturday's Manfred Stakes at Caulfield setting up a potential clash with VRC Oaks winner Mosheen. Finally Greg Eurell said that yesterday's impressive Sandown winner Great Dame will go to a Listed race over 1400 metres for her next run.

Tommy in massive Ballarat Cup boil-over

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:37:47 +1100

Highview Tommy has caused one of the biggest upsets in recent memory to defeat both Sushi Sushi and Smoken Up in last night's $125,000 Group 1 PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup. In a race expected to crown the true king of pacing, it proved an anti-climax as the $102 outsider produced a devastating finishing burst to just nab the very brave Sushi Sushi ($1.90) in the final bounds and deny him a seventeenth straight victory. The win capped a remarkable night for Mark Purden who was also successful with Auckland Reactor in The Pure Steel and I Can Doosit who dead-heated in an Inter Dominion trotters heat. Never really in a winning position in the straight, Smoken Up (2.60) was his usual brave self finishing in third position a further four metres away. Purden will now aim Highview Tommy at the $425,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup in a two pronged attack alongside stable mate Auckland Reactor.

Dame wins in great style at Sandown

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:15:24 +1100

Cox Plate winning trainer Greg Eurell looks to have found another smart one for the stable following the impressive victory of his lightly raced filly Great Dame at Sandown yesterday. Sent out the well backed $4.60 favourite on the strength of an eight length maiden victory in good time at Stoney Creek, Great Dame had little trouble with the step up to city class racing away to win by over two lengths at the finish. While Great Dame's jockey Chris Symons may have had little to be concerned with in the run from the opposition, the noted animal lover did admit to having to steer the filly well of the fence on straightening to avoid a family of ducks that had decided to wander under the running rail. By the former precocious two year old and noted speed horse Danerich, Greg Eurell was delighted with Great Dame's ability to run out the 1300 metres and said her main goal this preparation was to find out if she could run a strong mile (1600m). In what was likely to be a very strong form race the Peter Snowden trained Segue ran on well into second while the Mark Kavanagh trained The Good Wife got home well along the inside to just grab third ahead of Tranquera from the Robbie Griffiths yard.

Impressive Marauder to target Slipper

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:59:05 +1100

The Chris Waller trained Jade Marauder returned to the track in impressive style yesterday at Canterbury coming from second last on the turn to record a soft victory in the $70,000 Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale Plate. Sent out the $3 favourite following an impressive debut third placing in the Listed Gimcrack stakes in October, she had little trouble running down the Gai Waterhouse trained Almighty Charge ($9) with Waterhouse's other runner, Rampaging, further back in third. By the all conquering Fastnet Rock out of the Jade Robbery mare Jade Diva, Jade Marauder is actually a half sister to the smart filly Bliss Street who impressed over the Melbourne spring carnival. Following the win Waller said her preparation would now be solely aimed at qualifying for the $3M G1 Golden Slipper in April with the Widden Stakes in three weeks a possible next target.

Hyland Plans Guineas Raid

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:08:10 +1100

Bombalatomba could provide Chris Hyland with his first G1 winner, with the Cranbourne conditioner planning a tilt at the Australian Guineas following the gelding's victory at Sandown this afternoon in the Hilton Manufacturing Handicap (1400m). Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Bombalatomba, who was a $NZ40,000 purchase, scored a half neck win over Westchester and Henwood. The son of Fast 'N' Famous is expected to be tested against some of the country's better three-year old's in the coming weeks with the G3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) the next target en-route to the Australian Guineas on March 3. "We will probably go for gold," Hyland said. "He is paid up for the Guineas and we have always had a good opinion of him we will probably stay on that path.

Webb's Quota Full

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:51:52 +1100

The Mark Webb trained Over Quota has taken out the Swettenham Stud Summer Championship Final at Sandown after nothing his third victory in a line. Ridden by Peter Mertens, Over Quota was engaged In a head to head battle with the John Sadler trained Agippa for most of the straight, but eventually knuckled down to score by a neck on the line. The Darley prepared Giresun was a further one and a quarter lengths back in third. Formerly trained by Julie Scott, Over Quota's rating has soared from 70 to 87 since joining Webb's stable in late November 2010. "He is very tough," Webb said. "I worked out he is horse you don't have to over work, just let him find his feet. "I didn't expect him to win at Flemington a fortnight ago but he was set for this series and final because he is very strong at a mile. He has done a wonderful job." Webb added that Over Quota was likely to continue his campaign a little longer with a 2000m race next on the agenda.

Sweet 17

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:23:32 +1100

Champion mare Black Caviar has extended her winning streak to seventeen and taken her career earnings past $4.5m in the process with a soft victory in Friday night's G2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. Despite missing the jump slightly, Luke Nolen was able to position the mare third behind the leading pair of Zedi Knight and Doubtful Jack. And when Jamie Mott slipped Zedi Knight some reign at the 600m, Black Caviar moved into cruise control, leveling up in a matter of strides before drawing clear under her own steam in the straight to score by just under five lengths in 1.09.44s. Zedi Knight was gallant in holding down second, while stable-mate Doubtful Jack battled away for third. Trainer Peter Moody was ecstatic to the see the champion back at the races again. "She's really pleased us at home and it's just great to have her back racing," Moody said. "“This mare puts us on the front page for the right reasons and it’s great to be a part of it." Moody has outlined a three race program for Black Caviar this campaign, but admits the future is still up in the air. "We'll go to the Orr next on February 11 and then sit down, have another meeting and reassess. "The way she raced tonight it would be hard to see anything turning the tables on her at 1400m."

Caviar Next For MacDonald's Mare

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:32:56 +1100

Reining Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed has wasted little time in returning to the winner's stall after lumping 60kg to a first up victory in yesterday's John Dillion Stakes (1400m). Ridden by Craig Williams, Southern Speed sustained a strong run from near-last on the home turn letting down to score by just under a length from the leading duo of Shout Out Loud and Danzylum. MacDonald outlined post race that The G1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10 and The G1 BMW (2400m) at Rosehill were Southern Speed's main autumn goals, but in the interim a date with unbeaten champion Black Caviar in the G1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11 looms large.